There are multiple reports of customers receiving their Model 3 with misaligned panels, chipped paint and other cosmetic issues. Tesla has set an ambitious target of 360,000 to 400,000 vehicles this year, and it appears the build quality is being compromised to boost output.
Taking delivery of your brand new car is a joyous moment, but the mood can quickly turn sour after finding problems in first inspection. This has happened with many customers who went to take delivery of their Model 3 at the dealerships.
Tesla is under immense pressure by its investors and shareholders to fulfill the delivery target of 360,000 to 400,000 vehicles by the end of this year. The automaker delivered a record 97,000 vehicles during the third quarter globally, but the expectations for fourth quarter are even higher. The company’s CEO, Elon Musk told his employees in an email that the company “has a shot” at hitting 100,000 deliveries milestone. To achieve the target 105,000+ vehicles needs to be delivered in Q4.
It appears speed has become the priority for Tesla and its investors while quality takes a back seat. One customer faced such situation after arriving at the dealership located at 20th St SC in Bellevue, WA. He arrived ten minutes before the appointment, but had to wait about half an hour before his car could be readied for inspection. Not long after checking out the car he found quality control issues. Paint was chipped and bare metal exposed at both sides of frunk lid, front bumper was misaligned, rear passenger side door was significantly misaligned. There were other issues as well, like panel gaps, marks on the chrome trim and scratches on the trunk plastic.
Another customer refused to take delivery after facing similar situation. Panels were misaligned all over the place, particularly the front passenger door rubbing up against the rear passenger door. According to him there were around 8 other cars lined up for delivery, all of them had similar issues.
Tesla really needs to up its game in the quality control department. Maybe they improve the quality after this month is over and delivery quota fulfilled. If you’re a customer waiting for delivery, you should probably wait a little more and get it in January.
